Psalms 23 (a psalm of David)

"The Lord is my Shepard I ;shall not want He makes me to lie

down in green pastures: He leads me besides the still waters.

He restores my soul: He leads me in paths Of righteousness for

his name sake. Yea, Though I walk through the valley of the

Shadow of death I will fear no evil: for You are with me; your

rod and your staff They comfort me. You prepare a table before

Me in the presence of my enemies: You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over. Surely goodness And mercy

shall follow me all the days Of my life:

and I shall dwell in the house Of the Lord forever."

My commentary

Jessie was blessed with seven sons, though he was only thankful for six of them. David, his Shepard boy, he just took for granted. This was made very apparent. When the prophet Samuel came to Jessie's place to anoint the next king of Israel. Jessie lined up six of his seven sons. He boasted of the virtues of each and every single one of them. All except David, his youngest.

Samuel asked Jessie were all of his sons present? No, there was the youngest. But he did not matter all he was good for was tending sheep. When David appeared, Samuel anointed his head with oil. Informing Jessie God really cared about the inner side of a man's heart. Not his outward appearance. All of his six sons were handsome, but also proud and vain.

When David made mention of the Lord anointing his head with oil. He was remembering how he had been anointed by God to become the next king of Israel! David made reference to the Lord being his Shepard because once upon a time. He was also a Shepard.

When he was tending his father's sheep, he lacked for nothing. He was well provided for. Now in his current situation as a fleeing fugitive from the rage of jealous King Saul. David trusted his faithful Lord to provide all of his needs, and his mens. David was reminiscing about the carefree days of his youth. When could lie down in green pastures besides the still, and quiet waters. If any man needed to have his soul restored, it was David.

Restored, means to keep safe from harm by being renewed. The Lord kept leading David in his paths of righteousness. It was for the sake of God's holy and honorable name!

His righteous name is not to be used carelessly, or taken in vain. It is not a curse word! It is not to become blasphemed especially for the sake of the social and conventional entertainment industry!

Yea, though David's life was constantly placed in double jeopardy. God provided for him and his men provisions in the presence of his enemy, King Saul. The exact same way he did while he was tending sheep. David knew what it was like to be in the shadow of the valley of death.

He had to protect both his flock and his self from the jaws of death! David could fear no evil as a youth, nor could he as a young man. He knew King Saul would not be able to kill him, because God had anointed him to be the next king of Israel. All in God' s timing and not in David's.

God had to arrange all of the circumstances leading up to David becoming king. David knew what a Shepard's rod was made for. It was used to protect himself and his sheep. Now in his exile he remember how God saved him from a lion and a bear. The Lord's rob sustained him and kept him safe in harm's way.

Yes, Samuel was God's instrument in anointing David's head with oil. His cups of blessing and provisions kept overflowing. Because of God's tender hearted mercies. It has been said in some circles.

Goodness and mercy are two angelic beings who were David's constant companions. They are our angelic companions unto this present age age of grace. David could have also been referring to God's virtues following him wherever he sojourned.

David was assured he would "dwell in the house of the Lord forever." The paradise compartment was located in the center of the earth. During the Old Testament time periods. But also remained there until after the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

When paradise was relocated to the third heavens. He would dwell there forever not just as resting place. It would last forever!

Amen means completion and let it be so. According to the ancient laws of ancient Medes and Persians. "So let it be written so let it be done." Their law could not be changed. How much more promising and reassuring is God's promise to David and to us as well!

Love in Christ Jesus!

Roxanne Lea Dubarry

Roxy Lea 1954

Roxy 1954/ October Country

June 29, 2020